Haemoparasites and Ectoparasites in Raptors Admitted to a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in the Mashhad area, Khorasan Razavi province: Frequency and literature Overview of Haemoparasites in Iran and Other Countries

Abstract

Haemoparasites and ectoparasites are prevalent in raptors and can lead to illness or death. This study assessed the prevalence of blood and external parasites in raptors at a wildlife rehabilitation center in the Mashhad area using microscopic examination. Between 2023 and 2024, 51 blood samples were collected from 11 golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), 3 Eurasian sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus), 28 common buzzards (Buteo buteo), 8 common kestrels (Falco tinnunculus), and 1 long-eared owl (Asio otus). Thin blood smears were prepared for analysis, and all birds were examined for ectoparasites. Haemoparasites and ectoparasites were found only in golden eagles and common buzzards. Among common buzzards, 2 of 28 (7.14%) were infected with Leucocytozoon spp., and another 2 of 28 (7.14%) with Haemoproteus spp. In golden eagles, 3 of 11 (27.27%) were infected with Leucocytozoon spp. Laemobothrion maximum (chewing louse) was identified in 8 of 28 (28.57%) common buzzards, and larval Argas specimens morphologically compatible with A. persicus were found in 2 of 11 (18.18%) golden eagles. In summary, Leucocytozoon spp., Haemoproteus spp., L. maximum, and larval Argas specimens compatible with A. persicus were detected in raptors admitted to the Mashhad rehabilitation center.